Siasia: Olympic Team Can Excel Without Overseas-Based Players

By James Agberebi: Nigeria U-23s head coach Samson Siasia has stated that the non-availability of invited overseas-based players for the Rio Olympic Games will not hinder the team's preparations.

The U-23 Eagles are already in Atlanta, USA, intensifying preparations ahead of the games with the likes of Mikel Obi, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo and Moses Simon yet to report to camp.

According to the media officer of the team Timi Ebikagboro on his Twitter handle, Siasia said the team will proceed with their preparations and will not allow the non-arrival of the overseas-based players to dampen the spirit in camp.

"We are going ahead with or without the foreign pros, no player can hold us hostage," Ebikagboro quoted Siasia as saying.

Nigeria are in Group B alongside Japan, Sweden and Colombia, and will kick off their campaign with the Asian side.